Kitchen is stacked, you have everything you need. With that in mind, you better play your best hits! You’ll go for the one that melted a certain stoic woman’s heart. You haven’t thought of her in a while, but it’s time for Yareli’s favorite: the Lonely Lady Heartbreaker. It’s perfect because Kobashi’s original is far less taxing than the later versions, and you gotta keep your energy for the rest of the mission!

You prepare the petite cake to the best of your abilities! Once it’s done, you serve Haytham a slice.

“Look at this beauty glow. I didn’t expect you to be a pastry chef, Noon.” Haytham can tell you’re an expert.

“It’s one of the dishes I’m more proud of.” You shrug.

“You’re a pretty considerate man baking a dessert of this quality for a stranger like myself!” Haytham is glad he had to be harsh now. “Thanks for the treat!” Haytham grabs one bite. He has an expression of bliss. “This is unbelievable! What texture, softness, and the rush through the soul? I salute you, Noon! You're a once in a century talent!”

“Thanks! Uhm, that’s it? Just one bite?” You’re glad you passed, but this feels like a waste.

“I’d chuck the rest inside my mouth, but I have a meal to prepare, haha! I gotta cater my own work.” Haythem laughs it off. “Speaking of, you’re free to look around. Make sure everything is according to your boss’ tastes.”

“I will, it’s just a quick survey.” You scratch the back of your head.

“I can see it in your eyes, and I feel the same. You can take the cake with you, it’d be a shame if we wasted it.” Haytham quickly puts it all inside a box. It’s like he’s used to packing things for clients to take home! “And quick you say? If you have the time, would you share the recipe with me? I have a friend back home who’d be thrilled to — how does she put it? — add this little child into her family. It’s not as ominous as it sounds. I can’t let the chance pass for myself either.”

Congratulations, your hard work paid off! You never thought your culinary abilities would serve you this much, but between the cooking duel and this mission. Cooking might be your strongest ability after Invisibility.

Are you done here?

What do you do?

>Make the effort to do your task! All the food looks glorious here, so it won’t change anything. But gotta keep the charade!
>“I can teach you right now, if you want. You’ll have to teach me something back though.” Kobashi would’ve liked to see his influence spread.
>“Do you know anyone here who’d be thrilled to eat the cake?” You can’t carry this with you.
>Excuse yourself to the bathroom. You’ll go inspect one of the two tentative rooms during your trip.
>Write In.